Hundreds of Oaklanders are signed up to volunteer at 52 community-organized service events across Oakland.
Media Contact: Oakland Public Information Office OaklandPIO@oaklandca.gov
Event Contact: Markus von Euw Service for Peace Bay Area sfpbayarea@gmail.com (510) 427-1605
Oakland, CA– On Monday, January 19, community organizations will host 52 service events across the city for Oakland MLK Day of Service. Volunteers will pick up litter, remove graffiti, weed, plant, and participate in other environmental stewardship projects, with support from Oakland Public Works. More information is available online at www.oaklandca.gov/topics/mlk-day-of-service.
“Vanderbilt is committed to supporting the California College of the Arts as it winds down its activities. The college intends to continue instruction and operations through the 2026–27 academic year, allowing students to progress in and/or complete their programs. Vanderbilt anticipates opening its San Francisco campus for students in the 2027–28 academic year, pending necessary approvals by regulatory bodies and other processes. Additional information about California College of the Arts as an institution will be communicated directly by CCA.”
from CCA President David Howse about CCA’s agreement with Vanderbilt University.
CCA announces an agreement with Vanderbilt University.
Posted January 13, 2026, 10:10 AM
CCA will wind down its current operations and will close by the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. Vanderbilt will then become the owner of the campus and will establish undergraduate and graduate programming, including art and design programs, at the campus. Vanderbilt also plans to operate a CCA Institute at Vanderbilt which will include, among other things, the Wattis Institute of Contemporary Arts, will maintain CCA archival materials, and will serve as a vehicle for CCA alumni engagement. Through these activities, Vanderbilt will honor CCA’s longstanding creative mission and maintain a strong presence for art and design education in the Bay Area.
Johnston’s News, Clues & Rumors:it is uncertain how the Vanderbilt purchase of CCA will affect the closed Oakland campus. Vanderbilt seems interested primarily in opening a campus in San Francisco. The Oakland campus was included in the deal. The option of the developer to build 448 apartments on the Oakland campus is still in force but at this time construction costs make the project unfeasible.
Photo taken by Joe Johnston on the CCA San Francisco campus at the Spring Art Fair on March 9,2024.
REMINDER January 14 in-person PANIL meeting PIEDMONT AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE Panil.org IN-PERSON Meeting Wednesday evening, 6:30 pm One Kelton Court The January General Meeting of the Piedmont Avenue Neighborhood Improvement League will be in-person in the Community Room of One Kelton Court.
As a special kickoff to 2026, we have arranged a gathering where we can discuss our neighborhood priorities with our Oakland City Council member, Zac Unger.
What do you think are the most important issues for this area? Where should we be directing our voices?
Come mingle with your neighbors, share snacks, and join in the discussion of what PANIL’s priorities should be in 2026.
WHEN and WHERE Wednesday evening, January 14th 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Community Room One Kelton Court. One Kelton Court Enter Kelton Court from Monte Cresta Ave
Zac Unger speaking at the January 14,2026 PANIL meeting. Photo by Joe Johnston.
District One Councilperson Unger was thanked by Johnston for providing Terry Lee, a checker at the 5100 Broadway Safeway, with a City of Oakland Proclamation signed by Mayor Barbara Lee.
Something new has arrived… a hyper-local, independent media platform built by and for our local community that is just getting started. Rockridge Voice is now available for free (or paid, with benefits!) to help you stay current and connected to what’s happening right here in the neighborhood. Discover the stories and everyday heroes that shape our streets, shops, and parks.
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Many years ago, the RCPC board chose a logo of a detached Craftsman bungalow, but some now are recommending the logo be changed to an image that better reflects their vision of a future denser Rockridge.
Logo update from RCPC on December 30,2025:
We received mixed feedback from the community: some who did not want to see any changes to the craftsman logo and others who would like it to evolve to include additional neighborhood elements.
RCPC has decided that, given the impending release of the Community Vision plan in early 2026 and the effort it will take to implement it, we are putting any changes to the logo on hold for now and will revisit it in the future.
Thanks for the feedback! Ryan and Jose do that part of the department. They take tremendous pride in their work. I’ll pass on the wonderful comment from you when I see them tomorrow
II. Virtuoso Concertos: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and more!
Celebrate the Holidays with our Vivaldi Four Seasons 300th anniversary concert, and the Concerto for Four Violins featuring our world-renowned soloists Elizabeth Blumenstock, YuEun Kim, Isabelle Seula Lee, Augusta McKay Lodge, Hanneke van Proosdij and Shelby Yamin.
December 21, 2025 Berkeley 7:30 pm First Congregational Church of Berkeley 2330 Durant Ave.
Discount tickets are available for Rockridge Manor residents! Contact Alana at alanadattilio@netscape.net or 510 394-2573
Emerson: Going on the third year in a row, Emerson Elementary in Oakland has been our gracious host. And every year they also fundraise for programs at their school. While you’re there this year get some sweet or savory baked goods. LINK
PIEDMONT AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE 
Rockridge Manor Neighborhood 